From last Friday to Sunday afternoon, we led a retreat for the Edinburgh Korean Church. It took about 6 hours by train, but the journey was worth it. Around 20 adults and young people, along with families and children — totaling about 50 participants — attended. This was the largest turnout for a retreat in recent years. The senior pastor, whom had also attended my university but I had met for the first time, is currently pursuing a doctoral program at the University of Edinburgh. I received a very warm impression from him. Despite facing various challenges in life, he seemed to have an inner strength and humility that allowed him to confess his weaknesses honestly and without pretense — a truly admirable pastor.
The theme of the retreat was “Encounter.” I was asked to share messages on “Our Encounter with God” and “Our Encounter” over four sessions. In speaking about encountering God, I emphasised that meeting God as our Father is the foundation of a true encounter. Together, we reflected on Ephesians 1, which tells us that God chose us to be His children even before the creation of the world.
I also shared that this God is a living and personal God who continually meets with us, and that such encounters form the essence of Christian faith. To experience this, we must hold a firm belief in God’s grace, righteousness and calling. I shared testimonies of those who met God deeply even amid suffering, as they listened to His word and trusted His promises. In one message, I referred to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6, where He tells us not to worry about what to eat or drink, reminding us of the Father’s faithful provision. I concluded with the assurance that the God who spoke to Job is the same living God who speaks to us today.
In speaking about “Our Encounter,” I emphasised that the most essential encounter is the one that happens within the body of Christ — the Church. I shared how vital this fellowship is to our faith life, as it is through this spiritual family that God plans to nurture and perfect us. Ultimately, our encounters should lead us to reach out to the world — to meet those whom God desires to bring back to Himself. When doing so, we must reflect the attitude Jesus showed on earth: moving beyond prejudice and harshness, showing compassion rather than anger like the Pharisees and scribes did. Jesus taught that loving others sincerely is the true mark of faith. This was the same love He commanded His disciples to practice in the Sermon on the Mount, and it remains the standard by which He will judge us on the final day, as described in Matthew 25.
Meeting God as our Father also means meeting Him continually with faith in His overflowing grace. As we do, we are nurtured and protected within the spiritual family of the Church, growing into wholeness and eventually being sent out to seek and love the lost. Walking with Jesus, we learn to love with patience rather than anger — this is the process of the Christian life. During the retreat, as the time of prayer followed the message, I witnessed many members deeply moved by God’s presence. It was a great blessing to see how God personally touched their hearts during those moments of intercession.
This retreat reminded me of the early days of our GVC retreats — smaller gatherings filled with warmth, shared meals, and a sense of family. I received a similar deep impression this time as well. I am truly thankful to God for allowing me to meet the Edinburgh Korean Church and to serve alongside a good, humble pastor.
